The Beauty, Vol. 1 by Jeremy Haun

The Beauty, Vol. 1 by Jeremy Haun
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Goodreads Synopsis:

See below. . .

Collects the first six issues of the critically acclaimed, Pilot Season winning series by writer/artist JEREMY HAUN (Constantine, Batwoman) and co-writer JASON A. HURLEY.

...a high concept that is, frankly, genius... - multiversitycomics.com
This is absolutely a book to check out. - all-comic.com
...one of the strongest introductions to a series in a long time... comicbookresources.com

My Review:

I received a free copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The concept was thought provoking and well played out. The artwork, just as good.





See what I mean. The blurb recaps this in a way I could not. . . .

Modern society is obsessed with outward beauty. What if there was a way to guarantee you could become more and more beautiful every day? What if it was a sexually transmitted disease? In the world of The Beauty, physical perfection is only one sexual encounter away. The vast majority of the population has taken advantage of it, but Detectives Vaughn and Foster will soon discover it comes at a terrible cost. Now, they'll have to find their way past corrupt politicians, vengeful federal agents, and a terrifying mercenary out to collect the price on their heads.

I have had multiple conversations regarding this topic since reading this, and everyone's thoughts are so vast, it's amazing. I enjoyed myself, watching as Vaughn and Foster tried to navigate the vain world that Jeremy Haun and Jason A. Hurley created, wondering if I would make the same choices. I can only imagine where this series is heading, and I will want to read the next to find out.

Read on March 22, 2016

Top 5 Genres*: Sequential Art/Graphic Novels, Sequential Art/Comics, Mystery, Graphic Novels Comics, Sequential Art
*According to Goodreads
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★★★★★ - I absolutely loved it
★★★★ - Good book and would recommend
★★★ - Decent book, but wasn't spectacular
★★ - Not good, but was able to finish it
★ - Did not finish (DNF) and I don't usually rate a book I haven't finished (just to be fair to the author)

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Shiver (The Wolves of Mercy Falls, #1) by Maggie Stiefvater

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Goodreads Synopsis:

For years, Grace has watched the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf--her wolf--is a chilling presence she can't seem to live without. Meanwhile, Sam has lived two lives: In winter, the frozen woods, the protection of the pack, and the silent company of a fearless girl. In summer, a few precious months of being human . . . until the cold makes him shift back again.

Now, Grace meets a yellow-eyed boy whose familiarity takes her breath away. It's her wolf. It has to be. But as winter nears, Sam must fight to stay human--or risk losing himself, and Grace, forever.

My Review:

I picked up this book for a challenge, a paranormal romance. This is not something I normally would have read without prompting, but I'm glad I did. It was a much better story than I could have imagined, and although I cannot say I will continue on in the series because I'm happy with the way this story ended, I will most definitely read another Maggie Stiefvater.

Although the romance was a little mushy at times, and somewhat an insta-love (just add summer), I was able to get through it with minimal eye-rolling. Since I knew I was reading a "romance" I was able to get through it.

This story was told in alternating point-of-views, Grace and Sam, and when Grace was narrating, she was naive, unsure, and timid, but when Sam was talking about her, she was aggressive, forceful and confident. I enjoyed Sam's chapters better, and I suppose I enjoyed Sam himself better. Everyone was into Grace, but I wasn't sure why she was so special, she didn't necessarily stand out.

If you enjoy romance, and shape-shifting, I'd say give this book a whirl. I can't say you'll love it, but maybe you will.

Favorite Quotes:

“It is possible to be in love with you just because of who you are.”

“As the hours crept by, the afternoon sunlight bleached all the books on the shelves to pale, gilded versions of themselves and warmed the paper and ink inside the covers so that the smell of unread words hung in the air.”

“If that moment had been a real thing, it would've been a butterfly, flapping and fluttering toward the sun.”

“Right in this moment, I can´t even remember what unhappy feels like.”

“Some days seem to fit together like a stained glass window. A hundred little pieces of different color and mood that, when combined, create a complete picture.”

“We don't have time to be sad”

“The world needs more love at first sight.”

Read from January 07 to 20, 2016

Top 5 Genres*: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance, Fantasy/Paranormal, Shapeshifters/Werewolves
*According to Goodreads
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★★★★★ - I absolutely loved it
★★★★ - Good book and would recommend
★★★ - Decent book, but wasn't spectacular
★★ - Not good, but was able to finish it
★ - Did not finish (DNF) and I don't usually rate a book I haven't finished (just to be fair to the author)

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The Forest of Hands and Teeth (The Forest of Hands and Teeth, #1) by Carrie Ryan

The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Goodreads Synopsis:

In Mary's world there are simple truths. The Sisterhood always knows best. The Guardians will protect and serve. The Unconsecrated will never relent. And you must always mind the fence that surrounds the village; the fence that protects the village from the Forest of Hands and Teeth. But, slowly, Mary’s truths are failing her. She’s learning things she never wanted to know about the Sisterhood and its secrets, and the Guardians and their power, and about the Unconsecrated and their relentlessness. When the fence is breached and her world is thrown into chaos, she must choose between her village and her future—between the one she loves and the one who loves her. And she must face the truth about the Forest of Hands and Teeth. Could there be life outside a world surrounded in so much death?

My Review:

This might just be my opinion, but this book managed to piss me off. From the beginning, Mary, the main character, had annoyed me. She had her head in the clouds, crushing hard on a boy. She let this love-sickness cloud her judgement, and distract her from some seriously dangerous situations. I was hoping she would evolve into a more focused and determined individual, but all she managed to do was focus more on the boy she loved, and her determination to get him by any means necessary.

Mary was supposed to wed Harry. That's right, you heard, the author, Carrie Ryan paired up a Mary and Harry (of all the names in the entire world to chose from). Although, I suppose some name similarities could happen (my parents are Ken and Cam), it drove me nuts throughout the story. So, although Mary was to wed Harry, she loved his brother Travis. This was a cluster**** of a love triangle, and I really dislike love triangles. I could go into this further, but don't want to spoil anything. Mary wasn't anything special, but all the boys who were not her brother seemed to want to be with her. This just baffled me. Don't get me wrong, I really liked both Harry and Travis, but the idea of brothers pining after the same girl is sickening - and would cause a lifetime of contention to boot.

Mary's brother on the other hand, didn't think Mary was special. He was downright mean to her. I love sibling bonds, and this just broke my heart.

The one thing I did really like was Cass's resolve (Cass is Mary's best friend) to take care of a child whom was not hers, but needed a family. Ahh, the silver lining.

I suppose I'll wrap up this review right here because I'm getting worked up all over again, and I'm having a hard time putting my thoughts into words without spoiling things. I do have to give credit to Ryan because she did invoke a lot of different emotions, and without my few annoyances (some of which are mentioned above) this would have been a great story. I'm sure some will enjoy this. I just felt Ryan was trying to convey a message of "follow your dreams no matter the obstacles", but I have to wonder at what point does one, at the very least, not adjust their dreams for the sake of others lives/livelihood?

Read from February 08 to 11, 2016

Top 5 Genres*: Young Adult, Horror/Zombies, Science Fiction/Dystopia, Horror, Fantasy
*According to Goodreads
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★★★★★ - I absolutely loved it
★★★★ - Good book and would recommend
★★★ - Decent book, but wasn't spectacular
★★ - Not good, but was able to finish it
★ - Did not finish (DNF) and I don't usually rate a book I haven't finished (just to be fair to the author)

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Smart Girl (The Girls, #3) by Rachel Hollis

Smart Girl by Rachel Hollis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Goodreads Synopsis:

Brilliant designer Miko Jin is a hopeless romantic. She’s spent most of her life falling in love over and over again…with the men she finds in the pages of her favorite novels.

When Miko meets Liam Ashton, it’s love at first sight. At least, for her. Sure, the two of them are polar opposites, and yes, he seems to be dating someone new each week. But Miko knows what true love is and that you can’t rush it—after all, what she lacks in real-world experience, she makes up for in book smarts. With novels as her guide, and her best friends by her side, she knows she can get Liam to love her back. But just like any good romance novel, fate has a few plot twists in store. Will Miko get her own happy ending? Will she find the strength to stand up for what she deserves even if it means breaking her own heart?

My Review:

I received a free copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

First off, I'd have to admit that I have not read Party Girl or Sweet Girl, the first two books in this series. I think the only issue with not reading those beforehand, was that there were a lot of characters to keep track of, without much introduction. I'm not going to hold that against Rachel Hollis as she did introduce new characters in this book flawlessly. Her style is easy to read, flows well, and the dialog wasn't completely unbelievable.

This was a fun book, and I loved all the books names/quotes/character mentions. The layout of this story was your classic rom-com, but I have to admit I was hoping for something a little different in the end. Although my hopes were dashed, I feel this story, and the others included, seemed to wrap up beautifully - a little mushy, but happily ever after all the same.

As far as the characters go, I really liked Miko until she began to lose herself. She was funny, eccentric, sweet, and confident. She did have a little identity crisis, but she got threw it, used it as a learning lesson, and became a stronger and better person for it.

Liam, what can I say about Liam? I know he was meant to represent a beautiful (i.e. hunky) but tormented soul - the kind you lust after, and want to save. I didn't feel that way. I never really liked him or the way he treated women as a whole. I'm glad his character was able to evolve, but he never did it for me.

The supporting characters (and there were many) were a great structure to the storyline. I admit, I might want to know a little more about them, if I didn't already know the ending. I wouldn't mind a small novella about Tosh, Miko's brother. He was my favorite guy.

I would definitely recommend this book if you like rom-com's, are somewhat of a geek at heart, and enjoy a cast of strong and successful women.

Favorite Quotes:

“Maturity isn’t something you wrap around you like a coat. Maturity is like the T-shirt you get for walking in a 5K: you can only put it on if you go through the experience first.”

“This is the worst! Worse than that time I finished all the books that had been published so far in a series a full year before the final book came out.”

Read from February 02 to 25, 2016

Top 5 Genres*: Romance, Women's Fiction/Chick Lit, Romance/Contemporary Romance, New Adult, Contemporary
*According to Goodreads
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★★★★★ - I absolutely loved it
★★★★ - Good book and would recommend
★★★ - Decent book, but wasn't spectacular
★★ - Not good, but was able to finish it
★ - Did not finish (DNF) and I don't usually rate a book I haven't finished (just to be fair to the author)

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Skullkickers Vol. 1: 1000 Opas and a Dead Body by Jim Zub

Skullkickers Vol. 1: 1000 Opas and a Dead Body by Jim Zub
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Goodreads Synopsis:

Two nameless mercenaries are mashing monsters and making a name for themselves. Image's new hit fantasy action-comedy series has gone through multiple printings of each issue released so far and is getting rave reviews from readers and critics alike. Pick up the first collection and find out what all the excitement is about.

My Review:

I wanted to love this, I really did. There was so much potential, blood, grit, sarcasm, and skull kicking, but it just fell flat. I blame it on the artwork. Don't get me wrong, I thought the graphics were great, but the two anti-heroes, "Baldy" and "Shorty" were too comical. I know, I know, this was supposed to be a witty, action-packed, drama, but it was too cartoon-ish.

I was expecting this . . .

(these were from the original short stories 2 Copper Pieces and Gotcha)

What we got was this . . .


Although the storyline was decent, I kept imagining these two as Mulan's sidekicks, Chien-Po and Yao.


Sadly, I probably won't continue on in this series. I needed a little more raunch!

Read from February 18 to 23, 2016

Top 5 Genres*: Sequential Art/Comics, Sequential Art/Graphic Novel, Fantasy, Humor, Graphic Novel Comics
*According to Goodreads
_________________________
★★★★★ - I absolutely loved it
★★★★ - Good book and would recommend
★★★ - Decent book, but wasn't spectacular
★★ - Not good, but was able to finish it
★ - Did not finish (DNF) and I don't usually rate a book I haven't finished (just to be fair to the author)

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Hinges Book Two: Paper Tigers by Meredith McClaren

Hinges Book Two: Paper Tigers by Meredith McClaren
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Goodreads Synopsis:

Orio and Bauble have settled nicely into the city of Cobble. But as more of Bauble's nature reveals itself they find themselves facing a much greater world outside of Cobble's walls.

My Review:

I received a free copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Artwork was still amazing!


Just look at this shadow from stained glass!

However, the rest of the story did not live up to my expectations. I was hoping for more depth, more details, more answers. Instead, we were introduced to a new character and a completely new scenario. Bauble, who was mischievous and more than a hand full in the first Volume, was tame by comparison. Orio, came out of her shell a little bit, but we still don't know who she is. I'm not quite sure that even Meredith McClaren knows who she is supposed to be.

I thought the first Volume was written as a taster to get the reader interested, but I was so confused most of the time, and felt like I was missing something.


Is it just me, or does it seem like I'm missing out on some dialog here?

Sadly, I probably won't continue on in this series. I've lost my interest. Especially with the time between publishing, I cannot remember the the vague storyline from before in detail.

Read from February 19 to 25, 2016

Top Genres*: Sequential Art/Graphic Novel, Sequential Art/Comics
*According to Goodreads
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★★★★★ - I absolutely loved it
★★★★ - Good book and would recommend
★★★ - Decent book, but wasn't spectacular
★★ - Not good, but was able to finish it
★ - Did not finish (DNF) and I don't usually rate a book I haven't finished (just to be fair to the author)

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Ink and Bone (The Great Library, #1) by Rachel Caine

Ink and Bone by Rachel Caine
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Goodreads Synopsis:

In an exhilarating new series, New York Times bestselling author Rachel Caine rewrites history, creating a dangerous world where the Great Library of Alexandria has survived the test of time.…

Ruthless and supremely powerful, the Great Library is now a presence in every major city, governing the flow of knowledge to the masses. Alchemy allows the Library to deliver the content of the greatest works of history instantly—but the personal ownership of books is expressly forbidden.

Jess Brightwell believes in the value of the Library, but the majority of his knowledge comes from illegal books obtained by his family, who are involved in the thriving black market. Jess has been sent to be his family’s spy, but his loyalties are tested in the final months of his training to enter the Library’s service.

When his friend inadvertently commits heresy by creating a device that could change the world, Jess discovers that those who control the Great Library believe that knowledge is more valuable than any human life—and soon both heretics and books will burn…

My Review:

I thought long and hard about my rating. This was a roller coaster of a read, but not because there was an overwhelming amount of emotions. The story started out great, then got me confused with the mention of an actual date (I had to work on getting passed that concern before I could accept the setting and move on), then it got boring, then super intense, and then captured my attention at the end. Enough to care about the future of the characters, and enough to read on in the series.

I have to give credit to Rachel Caine for keeping me guessing as to who the real threat/villain of the story is. She created such a blurred line between right and wrong in many instances that I floundered on my opinions, much like Jess did. Granted, it was revealed towards the end and my suspicions were verified.

Jess, the main character, a smart, wiley, brave, and passionate soul wanted to do what was right but also wanted to follow his heart. Sometimes these two ideals aligned, most times they didn't. I enjoyed his character. He had growth, which I always enjoy. As for the remainder of the characters, I think they played their roles well. They were a diverse group, which rounded out the story.

As for the concept, it was quite interesting. Yes, I did get a little lost and bored towards the beginning, but it eventually built a solid foundation. I'm glad I stuck it out!

Favorite Quotes:

“You have ink in your blood, boy, and no help for it. Books will never be just a business to you.”

“I must acquire my own information, build my own knowledge, and, through experience, transform it to the treasured gold of wisdom.”

“We never wanted to conquer the world, only our fears.”

Read from January 07 to 13, 2016

Top 5 Genres*: Fantasy, Young Adult, Historical Fiction, Science Fiction/Dystopia, Fiction
*According to Goodreads
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★★★★★ - I absolutely loved it
★★★★ - Good book and would recommend
★★★ - Decent book, but wasn't spectacular
★★ - Not good, but was able to finish it
★ - Did not finish (DNF) and I don't usually rate a book I haven't finished (just to be fair to the author)

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Why Not Me? by Mindy Kaling

Why Not Me? by Mindy Kaling
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Goodreads Synopsis:

In Why Not Me?, Kaling shares her ongoing journey to find contentment and excitement in her adult life, whether it's falling in love at work, seeking new friendships in lonely places, attempting to be the first person in history to lose weight without any behavior modification whatsoever, or most important, believing that you have a place in Hollywood when you're constantly reminded that no one looks like you.

In "How to Look Spectacular: A Starlet's Confessions," Kaling gives her tongue-in-cheek secrets for surefire on-camera beauty, ("Your natural hair color may be appropriate for your skin tone, but this isn't the land of appropriate–this is Hollywood, baby. Out here, a dark-skinned woman's traditional hair color is honey blonde.") "Player" tells the story of Kaling being seduced and dumped by a female friend in L.A. ("I had been replaced by a younger model. And now they had matching bangs.") In "Unlikely Leading Lady," she muses on America's fixation with the weight of actresses, ("Most women we see onscreen are either so thin that they're walking clavicles or so huge that their only scenes involve them breaking furniture.") And in "Soup Snakes," Kaling spills some secrets on her relationship with her ex-boyfriend and close friend, B.J. Novak ("I will freely admit: my relationship with B.J. Novak is weird as hell.")

Mindy turns the anxieties, the glamour, and the celebrations of her second coming-of-age into a laugh-out-loud funny collection of essays that anyone who's ever been at a turning point in their life or career can relate to. And those who've never been at a turning point can skip to the parts where she talks about meeting Bradley Cooper.

My Review:



That is what Mindy is to me. She seems to say what I think or feel. She makes me feel more normal for the way my mind works.



I thoroughly enjoyed this read, and enjoyed the narration just as well. Color me happy!

Favorite Quote:

“Work hard, know your shit, show your shit, and then feel entitled.”

Read from January 13 to 19, 2016

Top Genres*: Non Fiction, Humor, Autobiography/Memior
*According to Goodreads
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★★★★★ - I absolutely loved it
★★★★ - Good book and would recommend
★★★ - Decent book, but wasn't spectacular
★★ - Not good, but was able to finish it
★ - Did not finish (DNF) and I don't usually rate a book I haven't finished (just to be fair to the author)

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Dragonfish by Vu Tran

Dragonfish by Vu Tran
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Goodreads Synopsis:

A thrilling work of sophisticated suspense set amid the Vietnamese underworld in Las Vegas.

Robert, an Oakland cop, still can't let go of Suzy, the enigmatic Vietnamese wife who left him two years ago. Now she's disappeared from her new husband, Sonny, a violent Vietnamese smuggler and gambler who's blackmailing Robert into finding her for him. As he pursues her through the sleek and seamy gambling dens of Las Vegas, shadowed by Sonny's sadistic son, "Junior," and assisted by unexpected and reluctant allies, Robert learns more about his ex-wife than he ever did during their marriage. He finds himself chasing the ghosts of her past, one that reaches back to a refugee camp in Malaysia after the fall of Saigon, as his investigation soon uncovers the existence of an elusive packet of her secret letters to someone she left behind long ago. Although Robert starts illuminating the dark corners of Suzy’s life, the legacy of her sins threatens to immolate them all.

Vu Tran has written a thrilling and cinematic work of sophisticated suspense and haunting lyricism, set in motion by characters who can neither trust each other nor trust themselves. This remarkable debut is a noir page-turner resonant with the lasting reverberations of lives lost and lives remade a generation ago.

My Review:

Update, one day after review was written → I am dropping my rating down to 2 ★'s because I'm still fuming at the ending!

Original Review ↓

Well, now I have mixed feelings about this story. You'll see why in a bit. This review may contain some spoilers, just an FYI.

This story was told by two different points of view. The first, from Bob's standpoint, was told in the present. This part of the story had the feel of The Junior Bender Series by Timothy Halligan. It was felt quick paced without being so. The second, from Suzy's, told the past in the form of letters. This reminded me of the grandfather from Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer. It gave me a sense of nostalgia.

Although this story was decent enough, I couldn't quite feel much for the main characters, well except contempt for Suzy. I did not like her. Sadly, the action didn't quite pick up until the middle of the story. At that point, I was thinking, hell yea, now we are getting somewhere, but although the pace picked, we never gained momentum. The ending? What the hell was that? They left everything suspended in the air. Nothing was wrapped up to my satisfaction. This story might have earned 4 ★'s had the ending not been so disappointing.

Admittedly, I was drawn to this book because of it's cover. It was nowhere on my radar, but when I saw it at the library, and it fit my need to read a Suspense for a monthly challenge, I picked it up. I am rarely as disappointed by my reads based on cover, but this time I was. If you liked either book mentioned above, or if you like open-ended books, give it a try, otherwise, choose for yourself.

Read from January 05 to 06, 2016

Top 5 Genres*: Fiction, Mystery, Thriller, Mystery/Noir, Literary Fiction
*According to Goodreads
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★★★★★ - I absolutely loved it
★★★★ - Good book and would recommend
★★★ - Decent book, but wasn't spectacular
★★ - Not good, but was able to finish it
★ - Did not finish (DNF) and I don't usually rate a book I haven't finished (just to be fair to the author)

View all my reviews

Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Goodreads Synopsis:

At once wildly original and stuffed with irresistible nostalgia, READY PLAYER ONE is a spectacularly genre-busting, ambitious, and charming debut—part quest novel, part love story, and part virtual space opera set in a universe where spell-slinging mages battle giant Japanese robots, entire planets are inspired by Blade Runner, and flying DeLoreans achieve light speed.

It’s the year 2044, and the real world is an ugly place.

Like most of humanity, Wade Watts escapes his grim surroundings by spending his waking hours jacked into the OASIS, a sprawling virtual utopia that lets you be anything you want to be, a place where you can live and play and fall in love on any of ten thousand planets.

And like most of humanity, Wade dreams of being the one to discover the ultimate lottery ticket that lies concealed within this virtual world. For somewhere inside this giant networked playground, OASIS creator James Halliday has hidden a series of fiendish puzzles that will yield massive fortune—and remarkable power—to whoever can unlock them.

For years, millions have struggled fruitlessly to attain this prize, knowing only that Halliday’s riddles are based in the pop culture he loved—that of the late twentieth century. And for years, millions have found in this quest another means of escape, retreating into happy, obsessive study of Halliday’s icons. Like many of his contemporaries, Wade is as comfortable debating the finer points of John Hughes’s oeuvre, playing Pac-Man, or reciting Devo lyrics as he is scrounging power to run his OASIS rig.

And then Wade stumbles upon the first puzzle.

Suddenly the whole world is watching, and thousands of competitors join the hunt—among them certain powerful players who are willing to commit very real murder to beat Wade to this prize. Now the only way for Wade to survive and preserve everything he knows is to win. But to do so, he may have to leave behind his oh-so-perfect virtual existence and face up to life—and love—in the real world he’s always been so desperate to escape.

A world at stake.
A quest for the ultimate prize.
Are you ready?

My Review:

I loved this book. I've been avoiding everyone's reviews until I could write my own, so it would not be influenced by anyone else's opinions. I was somewhat surprised and happy that Ernest Cline made Wade Watts the stereotypical computer nerd. Not necessarily attractive, somewhat smart, and completely geeky. I love who he became throughout the book. He was forced into a situation where he had to change or die, and it wasn't just change for the better, he could have totally changed for the worst.

There was a lot of twists and turns throughout the story, many cliffhangers, and a roller coaster of climaxes. Cline's style of writing made it so I felt like I was there, completely getting lost in the text. He creates a uptopia in the OASIS, but just like many morals to many stories, the grass isn't always greener on the other side.

I'm sad to say this review is much shorter than it would have been had I wrote it immediately following, but I didn't ☹ . I was reeling too much following the conclusion and wanted time to process, however, I waited too long. I would recommend this book if you are interested in a fun and fast-paced story about nerdom and the future, or if you are a complete 80's buff. Any reason you choose to read this, I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did ☺.

Favorite Quotes:

“People who live in glass houses should shut the fuck up.”

“You'd be amazed how much research you can get done when you have no life whatsoever.”

“Going outside is highly overrated.”

“Virtual sex, no matter how realistic, was really nothing but glorified, computer-assisted masturbation.”

“One person can keep a secret, but not two.”

“No one in the world gets what they want and that is beautiful.”

Read from September 10 to 29, 2015

Top 5 Genres*: Science Fiction, Fiction, Science Fiction/Dystopia, Young Adult, Fantasy
*According to Goodreads
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★★★★★ - I absolutely loved it
★★★★ - Good book and would recommend
★★★ - Decent book, but wasn't spectacular
★★ - Not good, but was able to finish it
★ - Did not finish (DNF) and I don't usually rate a book I haven't finished (just to be fair to the author)

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Yellow Crocus by Laila Ibrahim

Yellow Crocus by Laila Ibrahim
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Goodreads Synopsis:

Moments after Lisbeth is born, she's taken from her mother and handed over to an enslaved wet nurse, Mattie, a young mother separated from her own infant son in order to care for her tiny charge. Thus begins an intense relationship that will shape both of their lives for decades to come. Though Lisbeth leads a life of privilege, she finds nothing but loneliness in the company of her overwhelmed mother and her distant, slave-owning father. As she grows older, Mattie becomes more like family to Lisbeth than her own kin and the girl's visits to the slaves' quarters - and their lively and loving community - bring them closer together than ever. But can two women in such disparate circumstances form a bond like theirs without consequence? This deeply moving tale of unlikely love traces the journey of these very different women as each searches for freedom and dignity.

My Review:

Alright, so I started this book and immediately there was some detailed (and in my opinion, graphic) descriptions of birthing and breastfeeding. Being a woman with no children or desire for children, I was immediately uncomfortable. Yes I know it is a beautiful thing, and a miracle of God, I just have a hard time with it (my personal demon, no judgement on others from me). Anyways, I was starting to get worried that Mattie would be a wet-nurse the entire time. I wasn't sure I'd be able to handle an entire book of this. However, it wasn't long before Lisbeth, Mattie's charge, grew out of that stage. Soon, years seemed to progress quite rapidly, but at a comfortable pace.

I felt for Mattie and her situation, and I was amazed at how well she handled it, I could honestly say I'm not sure I'd have handled things that well. As Lisbeth grew up, I really enjoyed her love for Mattie, although her naivety started to wear thin.

Without wanting to give too much away, this was a great story, with great character development. I'm glad, no, I'm grateful, to have read this. I think Laila Ibrahim did a wonderful job on this beautiful story. If you haven't read this yet, get to it. I highly doubt you'll be disappointed.

Favorite Quotes:

“Focus on bearing, and beauty will follow. Your looks will not remain with you for life. But your bearing will go with you to the grave.”

“As far as I concerned, God loves ever’body so God forgives ever’body so ever’body gonna get to heaven.”

Read from December 15 to 21, 2015

Top 5 Genres*: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, American/Southern, Romance
*According to Goodreads
_________________________
★★★★★ - I absolutely loved it
★★★★ - Good book and would recommend
★★★ - Decent book, but wasn't spectacular
★★ - Not good, but was able to finish it
★ - Did not finish (DNF) and I don't usually rate a book I haven't finished (just to be fair to the author)

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Graceling (Graceling Realm, #1) by Kristin Cashore

Graceling by Kristin Cashore
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Goodreads Synopsis:

GRACELING IS A FINALIST FOR THE 2010 AUDIE AWARD FOR DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVEMENT IN PRODUCTION

Set in a world where some people are born with a Grace—a unique, sometimes uncanny, gift—this is the story of Katsa, whose Grace, demonstrated at an uncomfortably early age, is for killing. This makes her a perfect tool for her uncle, King Randa But Katsa chafes at the way she is being used—and even more at the injustices she sees around her.

Then she meets Prince Po, who has a Grace to match hers… perhaps.

Featuring FCA favorite Chelsea Mixon as Katsa, and sensational newcomer Zachary Exton as Prince Po, the most fascinating and praised fantasy debut of 2008 now springs to life in a sensational full cast recording.

A 2009 BOOKLIST EDITOR'S CHOICE AUDIO BOOK!

My Review:

I listened to this audiobook, and I found David Baker and the full cast audio amazing. Along with the writing of Kristin Cashore I was immediately transported to this amazing realm. Cashore was so simply descriptive I could easily imagine the vibrant setting. I love when an author can paint a picture with few words (overly descriptive tendencies make me feel like they are trying to meet a word count).

As for the main and supporting characters, I loved them or loved to hate them. Katsa was a strong female, who had her insecurities, but as the story progressed, she adjusted and overcame some of them. Po was amazing from the beginning and I was immediately drawn to his outgoing sense of humor and self-assurance. Yes, I know at times that could be annoying, but he presented it so well. I also loved Bitterblue, and felt she was a very smart young girl, who had to grow up way too fast. I really enjoyed Raffin (not sure how it is spelled since I listened to the book instead of reading it). I wondered on several occasions of his sexuality.

The story itself progressed well, had twists and turns, and although we could sometimes see what was coming, it didn't take away from the story. I am very happy with the ending, albeit not a perfectly happily ever after. Although I loved this story with every fiber of my being, I cannot say that I will continue on in the series. Just like Daughter of Smoke and Bone it was wrapped up so nicely, that I'm afraid to read on and see what other emotional roller coaster I'll be taken on. We will have to see!

I'd definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading, enjoys a strong female main character, and likes a little bit of blood and romance (without a love triangle).

Favorite Quotes:

“When a monster stopped behaving like a monster, did it stop being a monster? Did it become something else?”

“Mercy was more frightening than murder, because it was harder.”

Read from December 01 to 17, 2015

Top 5 Genres*: Romance, Adventure, Fantasy/Magic, Young Adult/Young Adult Fantasy, Fantasy/High Fantasy
*According to Goodreads
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★★★★★ - I absolutely loved it
★★★★ - Good book and would recommend
★★★ - Decent book, but wasn't spectacular
★★ - Not good, but was able to finish it
★ - Did not finish (DNF) and I don't usually rate a book I haven't finished (just to be fair to the author)

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